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To create beats the fast and easy way takes having the right tools and applications to get the job done with maximum workflow and with minimal fuss. Starting with programs that are dedicated to creative beat making and music production can help in launching you into an atmosphere of inspiration and prolific writing in little to no time at all. Applications that get you up and running quickly and efficiently instil an immediate sense of motivation that makes you never want to leave your computer. Having the right software for creative audio production brings to you a world of unlimited possibilities when working on your tracks.

To create beats that stand out and set you above the rest takes nothing but shear talent matched with top audio production skills and knowhow. Nothing will make any difference if there is no talent to begin with. With true beat making talent, a producer knows how to put together the right sounds with the right mix that moves people to stand up and take notice of their music. The cost and size of the program makes no difference at all.

Having an expensive program loaded with amazing sounds and production tools will not automatically make a hit selling, club slammin’ beat. But, to create beats and compete in today’s highly competitive world of the music business, it is a necessity to posses the tools of the trade and to know how to work with them effectively.

Basic audio production tools include processors such as compressors, limiters, EQ and effects just to name a few. In order to successfully produce music fast and efficiently that stands up to industry standards of production, you must possess or gain knowledge on how to use these and other tools in depth. Without the use of these audio processors we would not be able to achieve the level and quality of music production we here today.

If you are serious about your music and want to create beats that work well on all audio playback devices and platforms then you must adopt the mentality of a professional producer. Professionally mixed tracks depend heavily on tools such as those I have outlined above to deliver the quality of punch, clarity and overall fidelity of the music we here today in all types of audio applications including radio broadcasts, club mixes, movie soundtracks and consumer goods like video games and so on. There is no way to produce quality professional music in today’s industry of modern production without understanding in detail the function and application of these tools.

Lingerie industry is in a state of intense competition. Fashionable and price friendly lingerie’s are sold by the manufacturers while global brands are looking for new markets. International specialty brands are at their wings; seeking entry into emerging markets for future growth. Current global market for lingerie’s rose by 2.6% to $29.92 billion USD from 2004 to 2007, while clothing prices dropped down by 4%. China, as an emerging market has seen a growth rate of 8.1% during the same time. Fast fashion retailers are now offering fashionable intimate apparels at lower prices and are undertaking hardcore marketing efforts to sustain their brand image in China. On the other hand, China itself is a major exporter of apparels to the global market at competitive prices.

Chinese Lingerie Market:
Chinese lingerie market is a dynamic sector. Their market structure is composed of many national and international brands, and intimate apparels are brought in by many countries; names unknown to the consumer. The country’s lingerie market is a fast moving one, and there is a drastic change during the recent past. The lingerie market is estimated to be of a total value of 2 billion euros, and industry experts predict a further positive increase of 20% every year. The country is the third largest for luxury consumption, and is assumed by the market leaders to catch up with the position of Japan in the next 10 years. China is a key player in fabric industry, having good potential for creation and consumption. Major lingerie players in China have reassessed their market positions, and are now closing the knowledge gap to become ‘low cost’ producers.

Integral Apparel in the Wardrobe of Chinese Women:
As Chinese lingerie manufacturers eye the global market, rest of the world eyes China. Shanghai is in the forefront of the lingerie boom. Lingerie is progressively becoming one desirable item in the wardrobe of Chinese women. A survey states that an average Chinese woman spends 8% of their fashion budget on lingerie annually. Though 8% appears to be meager, China is populated with 503 million women and the huge numbers are promising. From lavishness, luxury lingerie’s have now become a wardrobe necessity. A lingerie industry survey states that Chinese population consists of more than 200 million women in the age limit of using lingerie, the annual consumption would go beyond 600 million pieces, reaching a sales figure of 15 million RMB.

Exports-The Lacy Lingerie Race:
Encompassing promising prospects in the global market, lingerie industries in China are actively seeking opportunities to expand its domestic market overseas. On an average, the country exports around 4 billion pieces of lingerie; annually. They export intimate wears mainly to France, US, Japan, and Europe. Export of Chinese bras rose as high as 10.5 million; i.e., 93% after the EU ended a 40 year quota system. China enjoys a good market in US as a lingerie exporter. Its performance is on a high base capturing 25% of exports to US. Despite the restrictions on US exports to China, the communist giant is expected to become the third largest exporter to US. China, enfolded with continuous enhancement in technology, makes it a cost effective destination for other countries to have their production base offshore. China along with India is projected to increase its global market share by $100 million USD each in the next few years.

Leading Intimate Wear Hubs:
The city of Shenzhen is considered as the ‘fashion capital’ of China. It is a pedestal of domestic and foreign intimate wears, designing, R&D, and manufacturing of lingerie’s. The economic benefits acquired and the market size favor Shenzhen and draws continuous attention of the investors. Many popular brands sold in the global market are being exported from the Pearl River Delta, especially Shenzhen. The ‘Sun Hing Group’ who manufacture 70% of its lingerie accessories in Asia, the ‘YKK’, a fortune 500 company, and ‘Regina Miracle’ all have their manufacturing base in Shenzhen. The city has a perfectly formed industry chain starting from design to production, marketing, and sales both at the domestic and export level. A renowned lingerie brand has launched its outlet in Shenzhen especially because of its cluster effect which will enhance brand promotion and boost sales. Two of the popular Chinese lingerie brands come from Shenzhen, and almost 10 internationally reputed lingerie brands have their production base here. Topform, Calvin Klein, Triumph, Regina Miracle, and Victoria’s Secret are a few to name. Embry Form, Xusany, Venies, Ordifen etc are a few domestic brands, having their manufacturing facilities in Shenzhen and enjoy a nation wide reputation.

People are sick of conventional advertising. Let’s face it, most of today’s ads aren’t working or, at best, aren’t generating sales. So marketers need other methods of communicating the product’s worth to the consumer. The package becomes an obvious and valuable means to that end. The point is if someone doesn’t pick up your product they are never going to buy it. That’s where the packaging as an advertisement comes into play. How can you engage the consumer at the beginning of the product relationship? The package is your silent salesperson and it better have the right message delivered to the right audience — no matter what product is inside. It’s all about the package (or should be) and who buy’s it and why is it purchased.

Understanding and cultivating the consumer is an ongoing task. Consumer preferences can change on a whim. When it comes to product packaging, it’s important to understand the mindset behind consumer decisions. Each year new trends move into the foreground. Yet, while some are here to stay others move on as quickly as the came in to being. Some trends become mainstream across all industries, ethnicities, and generations. Trends have power. Use them wisely and you will reap the rewards. Here are 10 packaging trends that will impact whether the consumer will purchase your products or not.

1) The Trend – The Alpha Female.
She is the primary shopper and 80% of the time the decision maker. Companies are finally waking up to the power of the purse. She’s your primary target no matter what her age bracket. Fortunately, we have passed the “Age of Pink” where marketers believed that anything pink would sell. Now companies are looking at what women really want and not just what advertisers think they want. There is a new generation of pink packaged products, but the color is now utilized in a way that makes sense. It is not used simply because marketers consider it feminine.

What To Look For And Do:
Solve her problems. She is overworked, overstressed, time-crunched, multitasking and in a hurry. Offer her a solution. Most of all make it easy with simple instructions and virtually a no-brainer to make the purchasing decision. Fulfill these needs and you will have a packaging winner.

2) The Trend – Baby’s Got Bling.
The luxury market is on the rise. Whether its designer bottled water or pet care products, consumers are willing to pay a premium. Nothing is too off the wall in the luxury market. If it’s packaged right, it will pique the customer’s interest. Consumers are on the lookout for that one unique product that they just have to own. A good example is the recent introduction of clear vinyl handbags. This spawned off of the clear bags used to display toiletries to security at the airport. Now consumers are spending hundreds even thousand of dollars to own one. Will it last? Who knows, however, some designers are making serious bucks.

What To Look For And Do:
Trade up on existing products. Move them out of mainstay categories and into the luxury market. More luxurious packaging on commodity items will make them seem special. The middle of the road packaging market is declining. People are either buying on price or paying a premium to satisfy a need.

3. The Trend – Brand Slutting.
Forget about brand loyalty. Those days are gone. Marketers have spent big bucks trying to ensure product commitment but consumers are moving from loyalty purchases and trying new products. One thing that is driving this trend is the growth of private label packaging. PLMA President Brian Sharoff presented these findings at a recent trade show. According to the survey, 41% of shoppers say they are “frequent” buyers of store brands, up from 36% five years ago. When the product looks as good and works as well as branded products, consumers are willing to take a chance. If their needs are met, chances are they will never go back.

What To Look For And Do:
Opportunities abound in private label packaging that transcends traditional categories. Look at the growth of the tea industry. Virtually every conceivable tea is on the market today and this market is growing. Consider how you can take an existing product and create something consumers will desire to try.

4. The Trend – BOOM.
Who will be the biggest future purchasing demographic? The 50+ generation. The numbers are amazing and it’s a continued growth market too. Earn this customers TRUST and you will retain their purchasing power for 25 years. So why aren’t we getting products packaged for this market? Many of the seniors’ issues are the same as other consumers, they just need more of it: Easy to open, easy to read, easy to handle or store.

What To Look For And Do:
Don’t ignore ways to improve existing product packaging: larger type, ergonomic capabilities or even products that are easier to hold onto. I’m amazed by the lack of innovation in this category. When we brainstormed at the FlexPack Conference about senior friendly product concepts, the audience offered lots of great ideas about how to serve the market sector.

5. The Trend – Greenwash Me.
It’s all about the “green” or lack of it. This time I think it’s going to last. Consumers are being bombarded with messages about the environment. We all are media creatures and the media loves anything “green.” You may not be aware that consumers are on their third wave of environmental awareness. The last two influences died out once the reality set in that it cost the consumer more to be “green.” But retail drivers such as Wal-Mart and Tesco are holding fast to their line in the sand. The standards they established and are trying to implement will drive “green” initiatives down through the entire retail chain. Whether it’s a true mandate or a political ploy, consumers are awash in a sea of “green” information. Additionally, the packaging of products with environmentally friendly materials is being scrutinized.

What To Look For And Do:
Explore ways to “green” up your product packaging. Whether its eco-friendly, bio resins, bio plastics, recyclable, post consumer waste or whatever works for your business, explore these options in your product packaging. Be wary of trotting out a so-called environmentally friendly package just to capture a trend. Consumers will see through this ruse.

6. The Trend – Make It Mine.
Personalization or customization is hot. Consumers want products uniquely theirs. Treat them special and not just as one of the masses. Make them feel like you understand their needs. Offer them ways to expand their brand loyalty through a product with which they are already comfortable.

What To Look For And Do:
Don’t overlook ways to engage your consumer though personalization of their favorite products. Many major marketers have already jumped on this bandwagon. Personalized catsup, cereal and candy are a few examples. Ask how you can create a personal bond with this consumer through product packaging.

7. The Trend – WOM – Word of Mouth Marketing.
Do you have a satisfied consumer? How can you persuade them to pass the word on to other potential customers? The key is to create a buzz about your product that is so strong a consumer needs to tell someone about it.

What To Look For And Do:
How can you turn a customer into an evangelist for your product? Offer them something special in return for their loyalty or support. Offer them other products made by your company. Set up a rewards program. Don’t just offer a few cents off. That doesn’t work. Give something of real “value” to the customer and not necessarily money.

8. The Trend – Your Nose Knows.
Smell has been one of the least used senses incorporated into product packaging. That is changing. Companies are figuring out ways to “connect” to the consumer through the sense of smell. Look at the success of the of Verzion’s “Chocolate phone” (incorporating the scent of coca) into the product marketing. The continued growth of scent marketing is more than just an odor; it’s a way to reach consumers through a sensory relationship.

What To Look For And Do:
Integrate smell into your product package. Not just a fragrance but a smell that is integral to the marketing concept. Look for continued advances in packaging that smell like the product within.

9. The Trend – Se Habla Chinese?
I recently read a staggering statistic. China is now the world’s largest packaging market. It’s relative to disposable income and the demand for increased consumer goods as incomes increase. In the US we are already well established in marketing to the Hispanic consumer. Virtually every packaged product is bilingual, but what about markets outside the US? We are no longer the primary player. It’s important not to overlook the globalization of consumer product packaging. Your product may be delivered to a consumer halfway round the world

What To Look For And Do:
Think global. Think about customers from all countries; not just the country of manufacturer. Be sure and study the cultural ramifications too. What works for product packaging in one country might not work in another.

10. The Trend – Code Orange.
Consumers are worried. Look at the recent e-coli and salmonella product recalls. Consumers are leery of what they buy, what it’s made of, how it’s processed, and where it comes from. More importantly they are beginning to question its security through the distribution channel.

Anyone who is involved in marketing goods will know the importance of packing good properly. Apart from keeping the products safe from various kinds of impacts that may damage the things during transportation, proper packing is also required to ensure that the good look attractive to the purchasers. If products are not packed properly, customers may not like.

While it is very important to ensure that the quality of the goods are high; it is also important to ensure that the packaging is attractive to the people purchasing the products. People may not be able understand the quality of a product before using it, and in such situations they tend to trust the manufacturer that seems to have taken a lot of trouble to pack a product properly. Therefore it is not just necessary to improve the quality of you products and sell them at competitive rates, it is also important to ensure that they look better than the stuff sold by your competitors. You must not think that applies only to fast moving consumer goods. These are also applicable to other products because customers think that a company that carefully packs its goods is more likely to produce high quality products.

The reason why many companies shy away from opting for good packaging is that they think that it is too expensive. This is actually not quite true because it is actually quite affordable if proper packaging equipment is installed.

The task of choosing the right packaging equipment is not an easy one because of several reasons. The first reason is that only appropriate equipment will ensure that you get good packing. If you are not sure about what will be appropriate for you, you may contact the representatives of the manufacturer of packaging equipment and they will help choose the right stuff.

The line of business of any commercial activity involves multiple levels, before the products finally reach the consumers. These levels or the nature of selling processes of goods (even services) are often classified into 2 broad terms, viz B2B and B2C. B2B is an acronym for business to business, as in goods or services sold from one company to another while B2C is a short form for the line – business to consumer that is from companies to consumers.

Hence, every company requires vendors or businesses with respect to ingredients, services for production, labeling, packaging, transportation and many other miscellaneous procedures. This is one such important aspect here, and involves the processes (both technology and manual aided) of enclosing products and goods for the purpose of protection during distribution, storage, transport (warehousing and logistics) sales and even during end use. All in all, the process of packaging is a coordinated system towards the following aspects:

Containing
Protecting
Preserving
Transporting
Selling
These aspects get catered as the primary purpose of the industry while stages of usages (during use, post usage etc.) form an indirect part of the packaging process. Packaging influences and most importantly gets influenced by processes of production, marketing and labeling. Label-packaging is a process where packaging meets labeling via marketing, for many products directly or indirectly have written, electronic or even graphic communications mentioned on them.

Also called as package-labeling, these labels can even be mentioned on a separate label. Packaging or rather packaging companies cater to a variety of business segments like the food industry, FMCG (fast moving consumer goods), medical sectors, hardware and so on. There are different types of packaging available to suit different sets of requirements; popular packaging types are as follows:

Film packaging
Paper packaging
Carton packaging
Foam packaging
Plastic boxes packaging
Containers
Either product based companies have a packaging division or department for these purposes or manufacturers utilize packaging services offered by third party packaging companies. As packaging is a process, there are many conventional and also a large number of customized packing machines catering to the needs of the packaging industry.

The segment of packaging involves a lot of packaging processes like vacuum packing, filling, wrapping, capping, flexible packaging, aseptic processing etc. Hence, a lot of packaging machines correspond to the many levels of packaging processes. So, commonly used packaging machines are as follows:

Vacuum packing machines
Wrapping machines
Cartoning machines
Seaming and sealing machines
Filling machines
Capping machines
Closing machines
Drying machines
Conveying is also an integrated process of this industry so there are machines catering to conveying and many other related processes. In addition, there are certain procedures which utilize multiple packaging machines for primary processes like feeding, lidding, placing, cooling, drying, closing, capping etc. There are many other machines, but customization is the key word in the these machines’ segment with hundreds of made-for-specific-applications type of machines and tools.

Fast moving consumer products are household items that have a short shelf life. Even though most of them, but not all, expire within a year they are still one of the most powerful industries in the world.

But with strong success comes strong competition.

This is probably one of the most competitive industries in the world so companies need to excel at product quality and branding strategies if they want to survive.

Having a product logo design that represents brand values and assures customers of its quality can give it edge over others.

Let’s have a look at some of the famous fast moving consumer goods symbols and see what makes them so popular:

1. Nestle:

The Nestle emblem is an illustrated image of a nest with mother bird feeding its baby birds which has been inspired by the name of this corporation. The symbol represents natural care and comfort. The image of the birds and nest assures customers that the company cares for all living beings and creates a soft corner in their hearts.

2. Unilever:

Personally, this is one of my favorite emblems. At first sight their symbol looks simple which is the letter U. But on careful observation you will see that the letter U is made up of small images of trees, flowers, doves, vegetables and fruits. These images depict their commitment for quality products and healthier lifestyle. The simple combination of blue and white color helps keep the design sophisticated and memorable.

3. Proctor And Gamble:

This is one of the most popular fast moving consumer goods companies. Their brand mark is simply the initials P and G in blue italic font style with white background. The simplicity of the design is what makes it memorable and unique whereas the use of blue color represents dependability and trust.

4. Kraft:

This company’s monogram is their business name encompassed in a unique shape which resembles a rectangle and diamond. This red bordered shape is what has made the company logo distinctive because whenever you look at this shape, it reminds you of Kraft foods. The selection of red color was also a wise choice as it is eye catching and attractive.

5. Nokia:

The symbol for the most popular cellular company is simply their company name and slogan in thick blue fonts with a white background. Their promotional product logo often consists of the business name with a photograph of two hands reaching for each other. The human touch to the technological company makes it more appealing and sensitive looking.

These retail products have short-lived shelf life compared to kitchen and other home appliances. The items are commonly replaced in a couple of days or in a few months time; this is because they are consumed by the consumers on a day to day basis.

The FMCG industry is a highly competitive due to branding and product advertising. The manufacturers continue to develop and enhance their products. Similarly, they search for strategies to keep up with the market and consumer trends. FMCG manufacturers and producers continuously set their sights for sales venues and outlets for their products in order to achieve their targeted sales goal. There are scores of FMCG vacancies worldwide owe to the industry’s growing participation in the market.

Here are some FMCG vacancies which are gaining popularity among fresh graduates as well as to those seeking that career change:

• Managers for offices and factories which deals to either the administrative aspect and, the production and distribution of goods
• Sales, marketing and finance
• Advertising which relates to the product’s promotion through various media including the internet
• Market researchers which cover consumer research, market segmentation as well as product positioning which focus on the retention strategy of the product in terms of its consumers.

Industry leaders offer competitive salaries and career prospects to its applicants and employees. This make FMCG vacancies one of the most sought after job opportunities worldwide.
You will be amazed to find out that the FMCG industry plays a pivotal role in the economies of many countries worldwide. Take a look at these figures:

• In North America alone, the FMCG industry is worth more or less US$ 2 trillion, and the industry is still expanding.
• In the United Kingdom, the FMCG industry employs 14% of its workforce and it is estimated to worth £14.5 billion and it is still growing.
• New Zealand’s FMCG industry forms 5% of its Gross Domestic Product.
• FMCG industry in India is approximately worth US$13.1 billion and it is the country’s fourth largest sector. The figure is expected to double up in the coming years.

So if you have what it takes to fill up any of the FMCG vacancies, go ahead, send that impressive cover letter and resume.

During my career I had the opportunity to work for non-profit as well as for profit-oriented company. I must say that the difference is huge. Non-profit organization does not have to earn the budget. Their goal is to spend it. Of course, there are some rules and guidelines that should be respected. In such organization reporting and expenditure justification to donors is crucial part, in order to make an organization eligible for future funding.

On the other side, working in a profit oriented is something completely different. Still you have the funding. But in this case your stakeholder is also a shareholder, who expect profitable operation, with certain return on investment. Further more, goal of every successful company is to have continuous growth in all directions; expanding the portfolio, market share, increasing of sales, revenue and profit, while driving the business at the optimal cost.

But how long the growth can be continuous? Are there any limitations for market need? Of course that there are limitations, but they are imaginary, since the market demand is not something that is firm. It changes, as it evolves through time. But also it is changed by the influence of supplier, i.e. Company is creating a new demand of their potential consumer, by offering them a new and better offer of products and services. This offer is done through development of a new products and services, as well of suitable above the line campaign.

On the other hand below the line campaign is something that is also very important for sustainable growth. Below the line marketing is very important, especially the companies that deal primarily with Fast Moving Consumer Goods ( FMCG ). While capital expenditures as real estates or vehicles are on the one side of demand scale, FMCG commodities like food, soft drinks, alcohol drinks, cosmetics, etc are on the other side.

FMCG products are subject of planned purchase, but are very often subject of impulse purchase.
Impulse for purchase can be triggered by clever positioning and merchandising of product within the shopping area. There are several basic rules for successful positioning that will initiate the shopping need of consumers, even when they didn’t even thought about buying some item.

* Corporate Block is the section on shelf or separate rack that is dedicated for product of one manufacturer or brands owner. Corporate block gives strength from brands synergy, it creates visual impact and increase brands value. Shopper is more likely to be attracted by impressive, well arranged section dedicated to one producer, than by the bunch of products scattered around on different shelves.

* Positioning Before Competition is very important. Who is the winner on 100 m race? That is the one who first gets to the finish, even if the second one is only 0,01 sec behind. This is why is important to have position before competition.

* Eye Level Rule say that whatever is in the eye level and slightly below is at the reach of the hand. What ever is at the reach of the hand is likely to be grabbed. People like easy and effortless shopping, without stretching up or leaning down. This is why you should avoid too low or to high positioning.

* Multiple Shopping Points; more selling points means more shopping opportunities. For small size outlets applies triangle rule, while for the large outlets quadrant rule is more applicable

* Triangle Rule says that the best positioning in the small outlet is capturing the golden triangle – hot spots: entrance, the most frequent area and the cashier. This is obvious, since, whoever comes to the outlets is coming through all mentioned spots, and therefore purchasing possibility is the highest from perspective of horizontal positioning.

* Quadrant Rule says that product positioning is recommended in all zones, but their strength from entrance to the cashier is in decreasing trend. Simply, at the entrance the shopper’s basket is empty while wallet is full, shopper is eager to shop. While moving to the exit the basket becomes full, money already allocated and the shopper is less enthusiastic, since he is starting to think about the rest of a day, rather than about shopping. Therefore early positioning is important for impulse purchase based products.

* Merchandising is the process of effective arranging of product at the selling point. It covers activities like stocking up, arranging according the corporate merchandising standards, placing the price tags, cleaning and rotating products according the expiry date ( FEFO ).

* X-Merchandising is positioning the product next to the other product that is complementary to your products. Examples: soft drinks next to snacks, or spices next to the meat.

These are basics of successful positioning in the shopping zone. This should be accompanied with an optimal inventory stock, changes in portfolio, smart price policy and fresh advertising material. If the outlet is worthwhile investing, then special promotions, presence of sales animators, surprises for shoppers and other add-ons can be used.